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Purpose and Benefits:Stress Coat is a water conditioner suitable for water gardens and ponds containing fish and plants. Stress Coat contains Aloe Vera, which acts as a liquid bandage, to protect and heal damaged fish tissue. Goldfish and koi secrete a mucoprotein protective slime coating that covers the scales and skin. This slime coat acts as a defense against invasion by bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens. Essential electrolytes necessary for osmoregulation are lost through breaks that may occur in the skin and slime coat, causing dangerous stress. Open wounds and abrasions caused by handling, netting, and breeding behavior are readily attacked by disease organisms, resulting in further stress and disease. Stress Coat forms a synthetic slime coating on the skin of fish, replacing the natural slime coat and easing stress.

Stress Coat instantly removes chlorine and heavy metals such as copper and zinc from tap water. Stress Coat also removes chloramines by breaking the chlorine-ammonia bond. The effectiveness of Stress Coat with Aloe Vera has been proven by independent studies conducted at the University of Georgia, School of Veterinary Medicine.

Researchers found that Stress Coat helped heal wounds and speed tissue regrowth. Dr John Gratzek summarizes the results: "Personally, I am satisfied with the results since my initial thoughts were skeptical to say the least. These definite statements can be made without equivocation: Stress Coat in no way harms aquarium fish, alters pH, or affects the biological filter. No ammonia or nitrite was detected in the test aquariums. The results indicated that the Stress Coat formula reduced the wound size compared to untreated fish tissue." Aloe Vera is high in mucopolysaccharides, an essential component of many tissues and believed to help in the healing process. The glycoproteins Aloctin A and Aloctin B are also present and identified as the probable tissue-healers.

Why does Stress Coat contain Aloe?While not a medication, Stress Coat with Aloe has been independently proven to promote the healing of damaged fish tissue. The Stress Coat formula contains Aloe gel, taken from the inside of the Aloe plant's leaves.

Someone told me Aloe will kill fish. Is this true?No. The Aloe gel in Stress Coat is real Aloe, not synthetic, not Aloe skin, or "derived" aloe (which has none of the properties of real Aloe). Stress Coat with Aloe is not harmful to fish.

Will Stress Coat change the pH?No.

Can Stress Coat be used with fish and plants?Yes. Stress Coat can be used in koi ponds, goldfish pools, and water gardens. PondCare Stress Coat can be added to ponds containing aquatic plants including water lilies, lotus, water lettuce, and bog plants.

I accidentally over-dosed my fish with Stress Coat. Should I worry?No. Stress Coat will not harm the fish.

Can Stress Coat be used with fish medications?Stress Coat is compatible with all of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals medications.